Ebonvale Village
"Asher Sama, the captain, told me that I would accompany you on your first mission," Randall said respectfully.
When he heard that Asher was going on a mission, he was surprised at first because he had just joined the squad. Sometimes new members still have to familiarize themselves before going into action, but Asher is different. Asher is not like those nobles and royals who just became a magic knight for fame and power. He respects him for that.
"Yeah, did you know the contents of the mission?" Asher said, looking at Randall.
"I've already read it, Asher-sama."
"Good. If you're ready, we'll go immediately. Help can't wait."
"I'm ready anytime, "
With a swift motion, Asher unfurled his grimoire and initiated a spell. Recognizing the need for expedited travel, he needs a faster mode of transportation to reach their destination promptly. A broom is too slow.
Infernal Wings: Blaze Ascension
A vortex of intense heat and swirling flames envelops Asher and Randall. As the flames intensify, they transform into ethereal wings of blazing fire, sprouting from the backs of each other.
"Don't panic; I'll give you full control of the wings. With this, we can travel faster while at the same time protecting us from possible attacks during our journey."
Randall was astonished when he saw Asher's display of power. This spell is too high-level for a person who only got their grimoire five months ago. As expected of Mereoleona Sama's son, he is strong.
"Thank you, Asher Sama."
"Sure, let's go."
........
Randall and Asher opted for the utilization of flame wings, enabling them to soar swiftly towards their destination. Their intended location was none other than Ebonvale Village, a place situated quite a distance away from the Crimson Lion headquarters. Aware of the urgency to arrive promptly, they hastened their journey, aiming to complete their mission earlier and ensuring that they would be readily available to aid the villagers in their time of need.
During their journey towards Ebonvale, Randall maintained a quiet demeanor, refraining from bombarding Asher with questions. Understanding Asher's aversion to noise and bustling surroundings, he respected his preferences. Instead, his mind focused intently on the mission at hand. The report had revealed distressing news: a bandit group had ravaged the village, leaving a trail of abducted children and women in their wake. As the flight continued, Randall's thoughts revolved around the gravity of the situation, contemplating the best course of action to confront the bandits and ensure the safe return of the captured villagers.
Following a half-hour of flight, they reached their destination, their arrival met with a harrowing sight. Before them lay a scene of devastation, with charred houses and ravaged surroundings greeting their eyes. The lingering flames engulfed some structures, casting an eerie glow amidst the destruction. The gravity of the situation became all too apparent as they surveyed the aftermath.
"This... an attack?" Randall said, his eyes widening in shock.
"Yeah, let's hurry," Asher said, and he and Randall rushed hurriedly to the village.
Upon their arrival in the village, an eerie silence enveloped the surroundings, devoid of any visible villagers. Determined to locate survivors, they meticulously explored the area, their senses heightened. Suddenly, a faint grunt caught their attention, prompting Asher to swiftly trace the sound. His urgency led him to a startling discovery. A man trapped amidst a heap of fallen timber, desperately in need of assistance.
"There's a survivor!" Randall shouts
Randall used his air magic to brush away the wood that was pinning the guy.
Approaching the man, Asher lowered himself to a crouching position. Just as he was prepared to administer healing, he caught the sound of the man uttering something, causing Asher to pause and listen attentively.
"S-Save them, p-please."
The man's strength waned, and he succumbed to unconsciousness. Asher remained quiet, casting a healing spell.
Inferno Blaze Magic: Phoenix's Embrace
A vivid, fiery red aura enveloped the man, its intense heat seeming almost paradoxical as it failed to inflict any pain upon him. Instead, it served as a catalyst, hastening the healing process of his injuries. With each passing moment, the wounds that once marred his body faded away, leaving no trace behind. Under Asher's spell, the man's condition steadily improved, surpassing mere recovery and transitioning into a state of enhanced well-being.
"Randall, take care of him. I'm going to save the villagers. Don't argue, if the pheonix's embrace stops. Follow me; my fire will guide you."
"Asher Sama, this can't be; we have to go together!" Randall can't possibly let Asher confront the bandits all alone.
"No, We have to split up. This is a two-man mission; we have to work together. Your job is to find any survivors while I'll save the villagers. We don't have time."
"But..."
"No buts."
Inferno Blaze Magic: Ember Trail
Surrounded by a radiant crimson aura, Asher emanated an intense heat that permeated the entire vicinity. With his eyes shut in deep concentration, he harnessed his inner power. Sensing the presence of a human amidst the heat, a surge of urgency coursed through him. In a swift motion, he unleashed the spell, Blaze's Ascension, propelling himself skyward with remarkable agility and speed.
"Asher sama!" Randall clenched his fist in frustration. If only he were stronger, He could confidently volunteer to go alone.
.......
"Please let us go! You can take every money we have; just please let us go!" A woman pleaded for mercy at the bandits.
The bandits' faces contorted into malevolent grins, a sinister anticipation gleaming in their eyes. Displaying a complete lack of empathy, one of them reached out to caress the woman's face while his other hand began to intrusively explore her most intimate areas.
"We will think about it if you offer your body to us," the bandit said, staring lewdly at the woman.
"I... Promise me! You will let everyone go!" The woman said with a teary eye. Even though she's so scared, she has to do it for everyone's safety. She has to bear this humiliation.
"Akemi, don't do it! We're okay!" One of the villagers said.
The other villagers followed, saying, "Yeah! If we're going to die, let's die together!"
"No, everyone! A magic knight will probably come soon! We still have hope!"
"Mother! Please don't die. Don't leave Chika alone." A 6-year-old girl cried.
"Enough with the nonsense! Even if a magic knight were sent, they wouldn't be able to save you!" The man ripped Akemi's shirt.
"Kyaaa!" Akemi was pinned to the floor, and the man was on top of her.
"Stop! Let go of Akemi!" An Old man tried to save Akemi, but a bandit kicked him, making him collapse to the ground.
"Old man! Just what do you think you are doing? You should die!"
"No! Stop! Father Yori!" Cried the villagers as they tried to stop the bandit from killing the priest.
The bandit used stone magic and wrapped a stone in his hand, making it a stone blade, ready to pierce Father Yori.
The bandit's eyes held no remorse or guilt; he raised his hand and shouted, "Die!"
"FATHER!!"
"Oi, disgusting dirt."
"Huh?" Everyone looked at the source of the voice, and their eyes widened in shock when they saw the robe of the Crimson Lion.
"A-A magic knight! We are saved! Akemi san's wish has been heard!" one of the villagers said.
"Oi, kid, if you don't want to die, then don't interfere."
The leader of the bandits looked at Asher with menacing eyes.
Facing the intimidation of the leader, Asher didn't even flinch or show any fear. In fact, he didn't even acknowledge the leader's presence; it's as if he wasn't there.
"Noisy dogs are always barking."
There are about 20 bandits who raid the village. Asher needs to secure the villager's safety first before engaging in a fight.
With a flick of his hand, Asher cast a spell.
Inferno Blaze Magic: Ignis Murus
A circle of flames surrounds the villagers and Akemi. The bandits, who were close to the villagers, were caught on fire. They tried to stop it with water magic, but to their dismay, it didn't work. The fire couldn't be put out.
"Don't bother trying to put the flame out. All of you are too weak."
"Don't mock us, magic knight! You're only one; there are many of us. You're surrounded already! Men attack him!" The leader commands his subordinates.
All of the remaining bandits jumped and attacked Asher with their magic. Asher, seeing this, didn't panic and flicked his hand, casting a spell.
"Time to die, brat!"
"You shouldn't play like a hero saving the damsel in distress!"
"Noisy dirt, die," Asher said in a cold tone.
Inferno Blaze Magic: Firestorm Cyclone
A massive tornado of fire materialized, swirling with great intensity, and forcefully swept away the bandits in its path. The formidable force of the flames engulfed some of the assailants, leaving them severely burned and incapacitated. Others managed to escape but not without enduring substantial injuries from the relentless onslaught of the firestorm.
"What is this?! How can a kid be this strong?" The leader of the bandits couldn't believe it.
His subordinates were wiped out in just one spell! Just who is this kid?
"I'll appreciate it if you kill yourself."
"Brat, don't be arrogant!" The leader opened his grimoire and made fireballs and threw them at Asher.
Asher didn't even move. His body was surrounded by the intense heat of flames. This technique is like his mother's. This technique is called incineration aura. He surrounds his whole body with Inferno Blaze Magic, which can act as armor. It also burns his opponents who touch him or get close to him.
Upon impact, the fireballs collided with Asher, generating billowing clouds of thick smoke that obscured the battlefield. The leader, wearing a smirk of satisfaction, believed his attack had successfully incapacitated his opponent. However, as the smoke began to dissipate ever so slightly, the leader's smirk froze in place, his expression turning to one of shock and disbelief. Standing amidst the fading smoke, Asher remained unscathed. His body radiated with a fiery aura.
"How is this possible?! "
"Die, eyesore"